#BrowardClimate Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) 41
What You Can Do!
The success of this Climate Action Plan also depends on individuals – 1.8 million individuals living,
working and playing in Broward County.
You can help by checking off as many of these actions as possible!
Be an informed voter and VOTE! Also, actively participate in community workshops and
commission meetings.
Switch to LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes): LEDs use 75% less energy than regular light bulbs, last up
to 10 times longer, and pay for themselves in the first four months.
Cool your home at 78⁰F or warmer with the thermostat fan switched to auto: For additional
savings, raise your thermostat to 82⁰F when you’re away. Savings can be $200-$300 per year. For
those that like to keep it cooler, consider installing renewable energy with a solar photovoltaic
(PV) rooftop array to help offset the environmental impact of running your AC.
Adjust your water settings: Turn the hot water heater down to 120⁰F, and combine that with
washing your clothes in cold water and your savings can be $200-$300 per year.
Install a solar thermal water heater or photovoltaic: Though initially more costly to install, solar
water heaters can cut energy bills by 50-80% within the first year.
Buy a fuel-efficient car: Compared to a 20 mpg car, a 30 mpg car will save the average driver
about $1000 per year in fuel costs. Go even greener with an all-electric vehicle!
Choose and use your appliances wisely: Maximize your use of water consuming appliances.
Choose high efficiency appliances, such as Energy Star rated clothes or dishwashers, when
replacements are needed.
Make sure every tap in your home has a high efficiency faucet aerator: Faucet aerators are the
little pieces of hardware that screw into the bottom of faucets, they cost about $6.
Harvest rainwater for irrigation: Collect and save rainwater from your gutters and use it to water
your flowers and plants. Check with your local hardware stores and home improvement centers
to purchase and help you install rain barrels.
Replace your shower head: High efficiency shower heads are designed to maintain water
pressure while using much less water than the old-fashioned sort. This quick fix will reduce your
shower water use by 20 to 60 percent.
NatureScape your yard: Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other
species. Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to local plant diseases. Layering
with mulch also prevents rapid water loss and, as a result, reduces frequency of watering.
Learn more by liking our “Broward County Environment” page on Facebook,
or by following us on Twitter @BrowardEnv. Visit Broward.org/Climate for
information and resources in the climate toolbox.